Dean Windass, 55, posts classy 10-word message and sings in the car after it is revealed he has dementia

DEAN WINDASS took to social media after his dementia diagnosis was revealed.

With Windass’ permission, former Manchester United star David May told BBC Breakfast about the former Hull favourite’s condition.

May, 54, said: “I only spoke to Dean Windass yesterday, ex-professional footballer.

“I asked Deano how he is. He’s been diagnosed with Stage 2 dementia.

“He’s the same age as me and he’s worried sick of how it’s going to be in the future for him.”

Following May’s TV appearance, Windass posted an inspiring message on X.

The 55-year-old wrote: “Just got to keep smiling and trying to help people.”

Windass accompanied his message with a video himself miming along to Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy”.

Windass then added in another tweet: “Seriously I am ok was delighted to find out I had a brain. Just hope other families get the help they want for the people they have lost.”

And he kept up his positive tone when he told the Mirror: “I’m all right. I’m not dying.”

The former footballer played in the Premier League for boyhood club Hull, as well as Bradford and Middlesbrough.

He initially retired in 2009 before making two comebacks.

May appeared on BBC Breakfast alongside Nobby Stiles’ son John.

Following his appearance, he posted online: “FYI I spoke to @DWindass10 last night and asked his permission.

“He was 100 per cent behind me mentioning that he had been diagnosed with stage 2 dementia.

“Deano has just done an article for a national newspaper which will be published soon.. share the love.”

Windass reposted May’s message.

May also discussed the risks footballers face of developing dementia – with evidence from studies showing they are 3.46 times more likely to do so than the general public.

‘I’M WORRIED, OF COURSE I AM’

He added: “Over my career, I probably headed the football about 20,000 times in total.

“It’s only coming to light now.

“I’d like to know where I’ll be in ten years’ time, will I have the care from the governing bodies, PFA, for funding that these families are not currently getting?

“It’s worrying. I’m worried, of course I am.

“I’ve got a family to look after and I don’t want my children looking after me day in day out.

“Care does cost a lot of money. Is there enough to care for future generations?

“One in three [footballers have the] possibility of getting dementia.

“The message needs to get out there.”

Former England captain David Beckham has joined forces with fellow footballers May, Gary Pallister, Peter Reid, Gary McAllister, Jan Molby and others plus politicians and medical experts in Manchester to show his support for the Football Families for Justice campaign.

FFJ is a voluntary organisation calling on the Government to amend the Football Governance Bill and introduce a mandatory financial support scheme funded by football authorities and the PFA for players and their families.

On the shock Windass revelation, spokesperson for Dementia UK, Caroline Scates, added: “We’re sorry to hear that Dean Windass has been diagnosed with dementia.

“By choosing to speak openly and publicly about his diagnosis, he will undoubtedly encourage others to seek support if they are concerned about symptoms they may be experiencing.

“There are estimated to be around 70,800 people living with young onset dementia in the UK – where symptoms occur before the age of 65.

Obtaining a diagnosis of young onset dementia can be challenging, and it is often even harder to find age-appropriate support.

“But it is important to know that you are not alone and that expert care is available.

“We encourage anyone affected by young onset dementia to visit dementiauk.org/get-support for information resources and to find out how to access our national Helpline and Clinics services.”  

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk